AN INTRODUCTION TO
THE TE MANA COMBAT SYSTEM
THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY
The Te Mana Combat System has a highly developed philosophies and humanities program. The aim of the philosophy program is to help the student discover the balance required as an exponent of Combat Crafts. It is necessary to teach a person that there is great responsibility in becoming a Master of Combat and one must always know the limits of that responsibility.
The most fundamental philosophy of the Te Mana Combat System is the Philosophy of Service. The founder of our system, Brook Benton Tu, teaches us that this is one of the oldest, and most valuable, of the Warrior Codes ...
"You will be a better combatant if
you are
serving someone, even while defending yourself".
- B.B.Tu
Envisioning the people we serve (Family, Friends, Regiment, etc) is a good way to motivate oneself for the conflict. We illustrate the point in a proverb, used in Te Mana Combat Instruction .....
"You have friends and family who love
and care for you.
You have no right to fail to come home to them!"
THE METHOD
The METHOD of our system is based on interpretations of mechanical physics, as observed by our founder, Brook B Tu. Out of his enormous experience he has forged a system which relies on two simple principles. The first of these principles is also the Logo of our system ....
"Kia korero te katoa o te tinana!"
The whole body should speak!
- Henare Teowai
This means that we will use any and every part of our bodies to bring about the defeat of our assailant. This principle is the reason for the unique 'look' of our style and for the quality of it's expression.
The
second principle of the system determines the structures,
movement, techniques and tactics of our style --- It is known as ....
This idea helps us to determine which, random, techniques and tactics will be appropriate for the situation at hand. In the combination of both principles, one discovers the true craft of the Te Mana Combat System.
TACTICS
Our tactics range from basic striking forms to grappling, throwing, floor fighting, weapons and submission skills. This system is also known for it's ability to 'take a hit' and move in for the tactical advantage. The reason for this is that the most important tactical principle in the system is one we have borrowed from the S.A.S. .....
"Try not to give the enemy time to
re-group.
Take the fight forward, until you dissolve their position".
Covering every facet of Combat Craft, this system moves in a natural and comfortable way; delivering it's array of techniques from a simple, basic, position. The style can do this while maintaining all of the principles of structure, method and movement as required by all other styles of combat and martial arts.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES
Many unique properties exist in the Te Mana Combat System which help to illustrate some of the reasons why it has become a style in it's own right. These properties include methodical observations of physics, balance, joint stability, motion, anatomical relationships, special submissions and the system's own program of 'sensitive regions'.
TRAINING
All training for our system is conducted under the supervision of a qualified instructor and our training program is designed to uphold the principles and ethical guidelines of quality coaching, according to the national authorities governing sporting and recreational activities in Australia.
Training for the Te Mana Combat System is delivered in 3 distinct stages ----
Technicals: In the beginners stage (at any level) the student is introduced to the basic principles, tools and tactics of our style.
Fitness: At this point we are looking to program activities which will induce specific adaptations for the body, the nervous system and the mind.
Battle Conditioning: This section, practiced under the pressure of a more intensive training program, deals with issues of impact, endurance, focus, tactics and responsibility.
(***NOTE: Not every student wishes to complete the Battle Conditioning program. This level is a personal choice!***)
SAFETY
The most important aspect of our training program is student safety. One viewing of the system will show even the most hard-hearted of observers that this is a style which must be practiced with a high degree of care and that safe practices are essential to the study undertaken by all students.
Anyone who has ever been to a Te Mana class will tell you that it is a very different experience from the usual 'martial arts school'. Apart from the fact that we play music in the background and share a lot of humour, our students are also encouraged to communicate and question. In this way, we build a team spirit in which we all 'look after each other'--- Esprit d'Corp!
Even with all the best intentions and modernised procedures, it is inevitable that some minor injuries may occur in the practice of any intensive activity; however, in the eight years that this system has been taught to the general public we have not had one single major injury, to any student. We are proud of this record and our intention is that we will keep improving our standards so that our students may continue to play 'The Game'.
CODE OF CONDUCT
This is the short version of the Code of Conduct. The longer version is taught as part of the curriculum of the program. Every student of Te Mana Combat is expected to know the Code and abide by it. One agrees to adopt and abide by the Code when one signs the membership forms.
INTEGRITY
HONESTY
COURAGE
SERVICE
HUMILITY
DISCIPLINE
INITIATIVE
HOSPITALITY
ESPRIT D'CORP
The speed and grace of the Te Mana Combat System is only one aspect of it's worth. For us, the most important aspiration of the Te Mana Group is that, wherever there is a Te Mana Combat School, we are being an asset to the community in which it resides. We ensure this quality by upholding the Code of Conduct.
THE FOUNDER (see; Founder Page)
The style we practice is the same style used by our founder, Brook Tu, as an elite professional. Being a shy person, we do not discuss his background, outside of our school, but we assure anyone who may be interested in studying our system, whether you are a combat professional or a martial arts purist, that you will be opening yourself up to the very best information available. Teaching Combative Defence is the 'name of the game' for Mr Tu and nobody does it better.
The supporters of the Te Mana Combat System make no secret of the fact that they believe Mr Tu's contribution to self defence practice may well revolutionise the way many people study such pursuits, in the future. The depth and insight attached to the teachings of this system open the path to great discoveries in combat dynamics and philosophies by those who pursue the study.
TE MANA COMBAT and YOU
The Te Mana Combat System has been structured in such a way that, almost, anyone can do it. Being a system which promotes natural, balanced movement, without extravagant stances and rituals, Te Mana is suitable for most people, of any age, to study.
Where possible, we will modify our curriculum for personal needs. Obviously, everyone is an individual and we know that a technique or movement that is suitable for one person may not suit another---this is the very basis of Individuality---So, we try to assist every student to find their own expression of the style, without sacrificing the essence of it's principles.
Our fitness program is always set to the specific needs of the individual. We do have a general training guideline but this program can be modified to suit people with specific physical problems, cultural and religious requirements or time constraints. You will need to discuss the situation with a qualified Instructor so that you can both determine if a program is possible, for you.
INVITATION
If you have read this far you must be interested, at least!
Thankyou for taking the time to read our introduction and we hope it has been informative and helpful.
If you would like to make a comment or an enquiry about instruction, we would be glad to hear from you.
We invite anyone who is interested in studying the Te Mana Combat System to contact us, now. Our staff will be only too happy to assist you.
Kia Taha
The Coordinator
The Te Mana Combat System
Australia and New Zealand
(COPYRIGHT. Te Mana Combat System. 1997-2004)